Swastika has had different symbolism in different cultures. For the first time, Swastika is now being etched on childrens' arms in south africa as a symbol of courage and determination. While it is an individual preference as to what people do with their bodies, it is not advisable to rob children of their option to not do the same until they are adults.

According to a CNN report, the 11-year-old says his 10-year-old friend Temashi spent two days "scratching" the image onto his skin with a match stick.It only hurt a little bit, said Brian, one of thousands of Zimbabwean children who have fled their ravaged homeland for what they hope will be a better life in South Africa.For Brian and his friend, the symbol of the swastika does not represent the horrors of Hitler and the Holocaust.Instead, they say the ominous jagged lines on their arms mean "Germans never surrender.".

It is a twisted interpretation that, however misguided, gives strength to Brian, marking him as a "man" and "someone who does not surrender," he said quietly in a soft voice.

Reported on CNN December 19,2008